Ownership And Location Of Active Helium Extraction Plants In The United States In 2023

This table provides detailed information on the ownership, location, and product purity of active helium extraction plants operating in the United States in 2023. This data is crucial for understanding the domestic helium supply chain, which supports a wide range of industries including medical imaging, electronics manufacturing, aerospace, and scientific research. Tracking the geographic distribution and ownership of these facilities helps policymakers and industry stakeholders assess the resilience and capacity of the U.S. helium market, which is vital given helium’s nonrenewable nature and strategic importance.

In 2023, the United States maintained a diverse network of 23 active helium extraction plants across multiple states, with Kansas, Colorado, and Texas hosting the highest concentration of facilities. Air Products Corporation, Inc. operates two Grade-A helium plants in Colorado and Kansas, while IACX Energy leads with six plants producing primarily gaseous helium across Arizona, Utah, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. Notably, Grade-A helium production, which meets the highest purity standards of at least 99.997%, is concentrated in plants owned by Air Products, ExxonMobil, Linde Global Helium, and others, reflecting a strong presence in Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. The presence of multiple operators producing crude helium, such as DCP Midstream and Scout Energy, indicates ongoing efforts to optimize helium extraction from natural gas streams. This distribution underscores a stable and regionally diversified helium extraction industry, essential for meeting both domestic demand and export opportunities.